Thursday Preview - Murray Bridge - 27th May 2021
By The Shadow
We have had terrific racing here at Murray Bridge in recent weeks and tonight we have the FINAL of the 2021 SA Distance Championship, the high-quality field makes it a wide-open affair and it’s a must for the Trifecta and First Four punter. This is race eight on the programme, other highlights are races four and five, both look to be good betting affairs, jump to race 7 and have a wager on Woodside Zulu.
Race 1 - Its certainly a tough event to kick the night off with, I like See You Smile who has been racing well of late, she has the handy draw and looks one of the better chances. Spring Lilac has terrific Gawler form and was a slick winner there two runs back. Add Aston Model for the Trifecta. Box Up 1.2.4.8
Race 2 - The Lauren Harris kennel rarely leave the track without a winner and they have a big chance with Barcia Khan in this, he can be tardy on box rise but from box 1 he looks the improver. Aston Respect has handy Victorian form and is sure to be well tried. Sandave Vision has been placed from her draw in recent runs. Box Up 1.2.4.8
Race 3 - With only the five runners here it makes for an interesting affair, Defy should get the run of the race in the small field, he flew late at Gawler last start and has won here in the past. Boombox Robbie is a smart type and is quick early he looks the leader and is a major player. Box Up 1.2.4.8
Race 4 - Rushes returned to the winner’s circle here last week with a strong win from this draw, he is drawn for a forward showing again in this. Stiff Wind had his 1st look here last week and was a good 2nd, he will only be improved by the run and can’t be overlooked. Coco Nova is sure to have plenty of admirers. Box Up 1.2.3.4
Race 5 - With a couple of scratching’s here the two main chances are Spring Vinnie and Max Voltage, both can run time and are smart when on song. Threaten found a heap of trouble here last run and can improve to run into the placings. Box Up 3.4.5.9
Race 6 - Maximum Refusal wasn’t beaten that far here last start in a quality affair, he looks the big improver and is well drawn in this. Departure Gate has been in the money at his last five and has the gun draw. Barbados Express can show speed. Box Up 1.2.6.7
Race 7 - Woodside Zulu is my top pick in this, he certainly gives you heart failure in the run but will be running on strongly with early luck. Another Storm has been racing well at Gawler in stronger company, he goes well here and is a chance of leading. Beatific found trouble here last start and is the likely improver. Box Up 4.6.7.8
Race 8 - This is the FINAL of the SA 2021 Distance and it carries $7,500 to the winner, we will stick with Gary’s Miracle who continues to shine , she has won three of her past four here all in good fashion and running smart times. Fantastic Radley was ultra-impressive when winning on debut he carved out a BON 38.65 and is a youngster with plenty of ability. Bedrock Fred and Just Wins Boss are others who are worth putting in the First Four. Box Up 2.4.5.7.
Race 9 - Agent Swan was very impressive when winning on debut at Gawler in 30.85 last week, she had handy Victorian form prior and looks well drawn tonight and should take beating. Porridge Box is another who has the form on the board, he charged late to salute at Gawler over the 643m and will be right in the finish again here. Blake's Crossing has early pace and ran 2nd although well beaten behind Agent Hamish here and looks a Trifecta chance. Box Up 1.3.4.7
Race 10 - Snakebite Me had plenty of support here last start but failed to cross and ran 3rd, he has been in form of late and can bounce back from the wide draw here. Sentinel McLaren has won here in the past from this draw and he wouldn’t be a surprise if he won here. Straight Blaze is drawn to run a cheeky race. Box Up 1.2.5.8
Race 11 - Raging Redline is in the powerful Rasmussen kennel ,he found early trouble here last run after showing early pace he looks very hard to beat for mine. Under Study will add value to our Trifecta along with Wreck It Garros. Box Up 1.5.7.8
Race 12 - The Ben Rawlings kennel can go home on a winner with Fawn Mistake, he has been racing well at Gawler in recent runs and won from this draw there two runs back. In Trinity along with Time Striker both have early pace and are amongst the better chances. Box Up 1.4.7.8
Best Bets
Race 1, No: 2 - See You Smile
Race 6, No: 2 - Maximum Refusal
Race 7, No: 7 - Woodside Zulu
Best Each-Way
Race 4, No: 2 - Stiff Wind
GRSA TEXT SERVICE
Participants are reminded, if they have not already done so, to provide GRSA with your mobile phone number to enable text messages to be sent updating you with the most current information in the industry.
KENNEL CAPERS ONCE A MONTH
The monthly Kennel Capers for May was released two weeks ago so make sure you grab yourself a copy.
Remember to keep up to date with weekly updates and media releases using the GRSA website at www.grsa.com.au.
The Boy from the Bush gives his selections for tonight’s super night of racing at Murray Bridge.
First 4 selections –
Race 1: 1,2,4,8
Race 2: 2,1,8,4
Race 3: 4,2,1,8
Race 4: 4,7,4,1
Race 5: 3,4,5,2
Race 6: 6,2,1,7
Race 7: 3,3,2,7
Race 8: 5,7,6,9
Race 9: 1,4,3,6
Race 10: 2,1,8,5
Race 11: 5,8,7,4
Race 12: 8,7,2,1
Best Bets: Race 11, No. 5 - Raging Redline
Each-Way: Race 4, No. 4 - Coco Nova
Roughie: Race 7, No. 3 - Aston Thunder
MURRAY BRIDGE THURSDAY (PROV 1)
Next weeks Murray Bridge Thursday meeting features –
$1,605 SA Owned Grade 5 – 455m
$1,150 Heats Maiden – 395m ($1,310 Final 10/6/21)
$1,505 Grade 6– 530m
$5,120 Free For All (NP)– 680m
Nominations close Monday 31st May with GRSA at 9.00am.
GAWLER SUNDAY (CITY A)
Next weeks Gawler Sunday meeting features –
$4,000 Semis 2021 Howard Ashton–Group 3-531m (Classic Event. No penalties or awards apply. SA Bred greyhounds whelp Jan19-Jun19 & paid up for Breeders 2021. Heats 30/5, Final 13/6)
$2,255 Open Maiden – 531m
$2,985 Grade 6 – 531m
$3,585 Heats Mix 4/5–531m ($4,715 Final 13/6/21-trainers need to nominate NO heats if do not want to be considered)
$5,120 Best 8 – 643m (Trainers need to nominate “No Best 8” if do not want to be considered)
******Standby Shortcourse only run if required******
Nominations close Wednesday 2ND June with GRSA at 9.00am.
LOCAL NEWS
2021 SA DISTANCE CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL TONIGHT
Last week at Murray Bridge over the 680m we saw three heats of the SA Distance Championship with some outstanding performances throughout the series.
Heats were won by Springvale Anna in 39.39 for Bob Fletcher; Fantastic Radley set a new time standard of 38.65 for Ossie Chegia and Gary’s Miracle for Michael Stewart ran 39.06 as she continues on her winning way. The race is due to start at 9.15pm and is race 8 on a fabulous program of racing. Box Draw is listed below -
1. Tapestry Tears – Lauren Harris
2. Bedrock Fred – Cherylee Barber
3. Springvale Anna – Bob Fletcher
4. Just Wins Boss – Ben Rawlings
5. Gary’s Miracle – Michael Stewart
6. New Year Tears – Ryan Tugwell
7. Fantastic Radley – Ossie Chegia
8. Burn Time – SCR
9. Shadow Burner – Tony Rasmussen (BOX 8)
10. Aston Kipchoge – SCR
SIR TRUCULENT AT SANDOWN FOR GROUP 1 FINAL TONIGHT
SA’s star stayer will be at Sandown tonight taking on the best in the country when he competes in the Group 1 Sandown Cup over the 715m journey.
He ran super last week to claim second place in his heat and secure his spot in the prestigious event. He has drawn box 3 in the final due to start at 7.58pm SA time and with $175,000 for first place we wish Wally Harkins and Sir Truculent the best of luck and a safe journey throughout.
SATURDAY MORNING MEETINGS ONCE A FORTNIGHT AT GAWLER
The next meeting will be on this Saturday at Gawler which is a Timed Graded Meeting - “Worst to Best” rating. Maiden and 5+ win races have first preference. There are 10 races with the first at 7.59am and the last at 10.27am.
The next meeting will be on Saturday, 12th June at Gawler which will be a Timed Graded Meeting-“Worst to Best” rating. Greyhounds graded into 3 categories. Maidens, 1-4 wins & 5 or more wins. Specific grades of greyhounds are not considered except for Maidens. Races–N/P with Pathway Prizemoney. Reserves will be determined by Grader. There will be No Guarding. Refer to “Time Based Grading” published conditions.
$815 Six Fastest Forward (Maiden) Heats – 400m (Max 4 Heats - $1,310 Final Friday 18/6/21). Selected from Worst to Best of this category. Final field will be a 6-dog field plus reserves, comprising of the greyhounds running the fastest times in the heats, regardless of their finishing position in those heats)
• Nominations close Tuesday, 8th June at 9.00am.
2021 GROUP 3 HOWARD ASHTON HEATS ON SUNDAY AT GAWLER
The major race for Breeders 2021 is the Group 3 Howard Ashton which will be run at Gawler over the 531m journey this year.
There are four $2,000 Heats being conducted on Sunday, 30th May which are races 3,4,5 & 6 and features the likes of Victa Grosso, Jack’s Well, Bedrock Fred and Victa Reid all top hopes in their heats.
The first 4 from each heat will qualify the two $4,000 Semi-Finals on 6th June with the $37,500 Final on 13th June.
CLASSIC AND BREEDERS FUTURITY PAYMENTS – DUE FRIDAY 18th JUNE
Owners of SA Bred greyhounds are reminded that the next batch of Futurity payments are due on Friday, 18th June 2021. The payments due are:
Classic 2021 – Final Payment (Pups born July 19 to December 19)
This payment is for greyhounds for which the combined First and Second Sustaining Payment was made. The Final Payment is $121 per greyhound.
Breeders 2022 – Second Payment (Pups born January 20 to June 20)
This payment is for greyhounds for which the First Sustaining Payment was made last December. The Second Sustaining Payment is $55 per pup or a Final Payment of $121 can be made at this stage.
Classic 2022 – First Payment (Pups born July 20 to December 20)
This First Payment is due for Classic 2022. All SA Bred greyhounds born in the above period are eligible to make this payment. The First Payment is $27.50 per pup or a “one-off” Final Payment of $121 can be made at this stage.
To assist all owners of Futurity eligible pups, reminders have been sent out a few weeks ago. It is perhaps a good idea to make the payment as soon as you can, so it does not slip your mind and the closing date passes. If you have sold a pup/s we would ask if you can forward on the information to the new owner. If you have not received a reminder by the end of this month and you think you should have, contact Caralyn Fielden as soon as possible.
GRSA FAX MACHINES
Greyhound Racing SA has two fax machines in operation at present, however, they will be gradually phased out.
The Graders Fax Machine (8243 1964) which is used for nominations is still in use, however, we are gradually transitioning trainers to the easy Online format.
The administration Fax Machine (8268 2870) which does not receive many outgoing faxes and GRSA will cease the operation of this Fax line in the coming week. Please use other means of contacting GRSA moving forward.
BORDER CHALLENGE (MOUNT GAMBIER V WARRNAMBOOL) HEATS ON SUNDAY 20TH JUNE
There will be a maximum of 2 Heats run over 512m at Mount Gambier.
If there is 1 Heat the first 4, or if there are 2 Heats the first 2 greyhounds will go through to the $5,800 Final on Sunday, 27th June.
Special Conditions apply –
Trainer must have had starters at 15 Mount Gambier meetings in the past 12 months.
Trainer must have trained the greyhound nominated for the previous three months.
Greyhound must have started at least four times in the past 12 months at Tara Raceway.
• Nominations for the Heats close Wednesday, 16th June at 9.00am.
CHANGE TO SHANE MCQUEEN FEATURE DUE TO ANGLE PARK SHUTDOWN
The Shane Mcqueen Feature will now be run at Murray Bridge over 530m.
For the best greyhounds nominated
Heats @ $5,120 – Thursday 17.06.21
Final @ $8,580 – Thursday 24.06.21
• Nominations for the Heats close Friday, 11th June at 9.00am.
GAWLER PRODUCE SERIES TO KICK OFF ON FRIDAY 2ND JULY
The Gawler Produce series will kick off with the Heats on Friday, 2nd July.
With the changes to feature races due to the Angle Park redevelopment the Gawler Produce series has been pushed back a few weeks to allow greyhounds to compete in the Howard Ashton and Shane McQueen and then be ready for the Produce. GRSA has also tried to fit in with the City A programming where possible.
Gawler Produce Stake 531m
Special Event – No Penalties Apply HEATS @ $TBA Friday 02.07.21 (Prov1)
Unraced greyhounds are eligible SEMI-FINALS @ $2,700 Sunday 11.07.21 (City A)
For greyhounds whelped in 2019 – Special Conditions FINAL @ $22,000 Sunday 18.07.21 (Prov 1)
(Final guaranteed at $22,000. Consolation on Final night - $2,700)
CHAMPION PUPPY MOVED TO AUGUST AND CONDUCTED AT ANGLE PARK
The Champion Puppy series for greyhounds whelped on or after 1st July, 2019 will be conducted in August.
This series is normally conducted in July, however, with changes to feature events it has been moved to August (dates TBC) and run at Angle Park (TBC).
TRIAL SCHEDULE DURING ANGLE PARK REDEVELOPMENT - effective Monday 12th April
Monday – Gawler (Morning) – no bookings required
Tuesday – Murray Bridge (Night) – book with Trialbooker from Monday 11.30am to Tuesday 3pm
Wednesday – Gawler (Night) – book with Trialbooker from Tuesday 11.30am to Wednesday 3pm
Thursday – Gawler (Morning) – no bookings required
Friday – Murray Bridge & Murray Bridge Straight (Morning) – book with Trialbooker for one turn only from Wednesday 11.30am to Thursday 3pm
Saturday – No Trials
Sunday - Murray Bridge & Murray Bridge Straight (Morning) – book with Trialbooker for one turn only from Thursday 11.30am to Friday 3pm.
Satisfactory and Qualifying trials at Gawler on Wednesday night each week. Nominations close 12.30pm Wednesday (for online nominations 11.59pm Tuesday) Qualifying for the following Friday.
Satisfactory and Qualifying trials at Murray Bridge for both tracks are now on Friday mornings once a week – effective immediately.
During the Angle Park shutdown we will move this away from the monthly Tuesday night during this period, which was difficult to staff and didn’t provide enough opportunity for trainers to clear or qualify greyhounds whilst Angle Park is out of action.
These Satisfactory and Qualifying trials will be conducted between 8.50am and 9.15am fitting in the middle of the One Turn track finishing and the Straight track starting, however, please fit in with staff on the day. Nominations close 12.30pm Thursday, Qualifying for the following Monday on the One Turn and the Wednesday week on the Straight.
GAWLER MORNING TRIALS
With the Gawler trial sessions currently on Mondays and Thursdays starting at 7am, staff are finding that at times that they are waiting for trainers to arrive and trial.
This means there are extended periods where there is no activity. Staff have been advised that if there is an extended period where no one has arrived to trial for them to cease the session. GRSA currently do not take bookings for Gawler but may have to in the future if trainers do not arrive in a timely manner for these sessions.
CITY A MEETINGS FOR PRIZEMONEY AND GRADING AT THE VENUE
Murray Bridge Thursday 27th May
Gawler Sunday 6th June
Gawler Sunday 13th June
Murray Bridge Thursday 17th June
Murray Bridge Thursday 24th June
Gawler Sunday 4th July
Gawler Sunday 11th July
Murray Bridge Thursday 15th July
Murray Bridge Thursday 22nd July
GRADING OF CITY A MEETINGS WHEN ANGLE PARK SHUTDOWN –
When Angle Park is redeveloped in mid April the below outcomes have been listed below -
- When Angle Park is shutdown for redevelopment that the City A meetings will be shared with Murray Bridge and Gawler. Murray Bridge will conduct back to back Thursday meetings allowing for Heats and Finals of normal and feature races. Gawler will then run back to back Sundays again allowing for Heats and Finals of normal and feature races. This will mean that there is one Metropolitan (CITY A) meeting per week.
- Feature 515m races will be run at Gawler over the 531m and any 731m feature races will be run at Murray Bridge over the 680m.
- There will be a 680m City A prizemoney at Murray Bridge each Thursday every week whether City A or Prov 1 to support these stayers during this period.
- These meetings will be considered as if the greyhounds have never raced at the venue. This will mean greyhounds will be grades Maiden, Grade 6 and Grade 5 to start with unless new into the State and regraded higher.
- With all grades starting from new (no higher than Grade 5 effectively) there will not be as higher prizemoney races per meeting initially with no high grade races being conducted. There will be a Best 8 each meeting over the 455m, 530m, 680m at Murray Bridge and a 531m and 643m at Gawler for this high grade money. (GRSA will just make up these races). Trainers need to write “No Best 8” on the nomination if they do not want to be in this event. If there are insufficient nominations for a Best 8 the Grader will make up normally graded events based on current policy.
- The Racing Department intends to run Grade 5 Heats on a regular basis but may have to run Mixed 4/5 Heats to ensure there are races for these dogs. The Finals of these races will pay the normal stakemoney for Finals (Grade 5 or Open depending on grade of Heats).
- The Grader will give preference to 455m or higher at both Murray Bridge City A and Gawler City A meetings with the intent that no short course races will be conducted. However, if there was a need to run some short course this would be under “standby” conditions.
- When a greyhound wins a Grade 5 or above over any distance at the Gawler City A and Murray Bridge City A meetings they will NOT lose any Grade 6’s at other venues. The normal rule has been suspended.
- If a greyhound has already won a Grade 6 (City A) it should be eligible for Murray Bridge City A and Gawler City A Grade 6 if they have more Grade’s to win as these are considered different tracks. They will still only be able to win one City A at each of these meetings if they do not win more races than allowed.
- There will be NO retrospectivity for Grading.
“BEAT THE GRADER” DURING REDEVELOPMENT
Our normal race schedule generally doesn’t allow for any “Beat the Grader “scenario’s, however, with the changes to both Murray Bride Prov 1 and Gawler Prov 1 this is likely to happen which is an added benefit to owners and trainers.
It will be available for the Murray Bridge Monday Prov 1 to Murray Bridge Thursday Prov 1 and then the Murray Bridge Thursday Prov 1 to Murray Bridge Monday Prov 1.
For Gawler the Friday Prov 1 to Sunday Prov 1 could happen, however, there is only a few days between meetings.
Please contact the Grader for clarification around the “Beat The Grader” policy.
UPCOMING GOTBA RACING DATES
The Coursing at Virginia continues with 4 dog events programmed.
Upcoming dates are –
Sunday 6th June
Sunday 20th June
Sunday 18th July
Sunday 15th August
Sunday 29th August